The Ancient Gods: Part One – Diving Deep into DOOM Eternal’s First DLC

The first downloadable content (DLC) for DOOM Eternal is The Ancient Gods: Part One. This expansion continues the Slayer’s saga, thrusting him back into the fray with a new campaign set after the events of the main game. Prepare for a challenging and lore-rich experience that expands upon the DOOM universe like never before.

Continuing the Slayer’s Crusade

The Ancient Gods: Part One doesn’t just tack on a few extra levels. It’s a full-fledged campaign that delves deeper into the lore of the DOOM universe, providing context and expanding on the history hinted at in the main game. You don’t need to complete the main DOOM Eternal campaign to jump into this DLC, though knowing the core mechanics and story will certainly enhance your experience.

The story picks up after the Slayer’s victory over the Khan Maykr. With her gone, a power vacuum has opened, threatening to upset the balance between Heaven, Hell, and Earth. The Slayer must travel to new realms, confront powerful new demons, and forge alliances with unexpected allies to restore order and prevent a cataclysmic event. This expansion aims to be a more direct sequel than a side story.

What to Expect in Terms of Gameplay

Gameplay-wise, expect more of what made DOOM Eternal so exhilarating, but turned up to eleven. The Ancient Gods: Part One features:

• New Locations: Explore the UAC Atlantica Facility on Earth, the Blood Swamps of Hell, and the corrupted realms of Urdak.
• New Demons: Battle the ferocious Blood Maykrs and the relentless Stone Imps, each requiring new strategies to defeat.
• Increased Difficulty: This DLC is designed to be challenging, even for seasoned DOOM Eternal players. Expect intense combat encounters and demanding platforming sections.
• No New Weapons: The Slayer retains his arsenal from the main game, requiring players to master their existing tools to overcome the heightened challenges.
• New Support Runes: Players can find support runes with different beneficial abilities.
• Refined Level Design: Expect intricate level design that encourages exploration and rewards strategic thinking.

Story and Narrative Depth

The Ancient Gods: Part One significantly expands on the established DOOM lore. It sheds light on the origins of the Maykrs, the nature of Hell, and the Slayer’s own destiny. Prepare for plot twists, surprising revelations, and a deeper understanding of the intricate mythology that underpins the DOOM universe.

The narrative focuses on the consequences of the Slayer’s actions and the unforeseen ramifications of disrupting the established order. The DLC explores the moral ambiguities of the DOOM universe, blurring the lines between good and evil and forcing the Slayer to make difficult choices.

Why You Should Play It

If you loved DOOM Eternal, The Ancient Gods: Part One is a must-play. It offers a compelling continuation of the story, challenging gameplay that will test your skills, and a deeper dive into the rich lore of the DOOM universe. Even if you’re new to the series, this expansion can serve as a thrilling entry point, showcasing the fast-paced action and engaging storytelling that define the DOOM franchise. It’s a masterclass in first-person shooter design, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the genre. Consider checking out resources on game design and educational gaming provided by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to understand the intricacies behind creating such engaging gaming experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about The Ancient Gods: Part One to further clarify what this DLC entails:

Q1: Do I need to own DOOM Eternal to play The Ancient Gods: Part One?

No, you don’t need to own the base game to play The Ancient Gods: Part One. It is available as a standalone purchase.

Q2: What platforms is The Ancient Gods: Part One available on?

It’s available on the same platforms as DOOM Eternal: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia. It’s also playable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S through backward compatibility.

Q3: How long is The Ancient Gods: Part One?

The length varies depending on your skill level, but most players can expect to spend around 5-8 hours completing the campaign. It emphasizes quality over quantity, offering a dense and challenging experience.

Q4: Is The Ancient Gods: Part One more difficult than the main DOOM Eternal campaign?

Yes, it is generally considered more difficult. The enemy encounters are more intense, and the level design is more demanding.

Q5: Are there any new weapons in The Ancient Gods: Part One?

No, there are no new weapons. The Slayer retains his arsenal from the main game, but you’ll need to master it to succeed.

Q6: Are there any new collectibles or secrets in The Ancient Gods: Part One?

Yes, there are new collectibles and secrets to discover, including new support runes. Finding them can provide valuable advantages in combat.

Q7: Does The Ancient Gods: Part One have multiplayer content?

No, it is a single-player-only experience.

Q8: Does The Ancient Gods: Part One continue the story from the main game?

Yes, it directly continues the story after the events of DOOM Eternal.

Q9: What are the new demons in The Ancient Gods: Part One?

The most notable new demons are the Blood Maykrs and the Stone Imps. These enemies require unique strategies to defeat.

Q10: Does completing The Ancient Gods: Part One unlock anything in the main game?

No, completing it doesn’t unlock anything in the main game. The content is self-contained within the DLC.

Q11: Is there a physical release of The Ancient Gods: Part One?

No, it is only available as a digital download.

Q12: How much does The Ancient Gods: Part One cost?

The price varies depending on the platform and region. Check your platform’s digital store for the most accurate pricing.

Q13: Does The Ancient Gods: Part One require a constant internet connection?

For the initial download, an internet connection is required. However, once downloaded, you can play offline.

Q14: Will my progress from the main game carry over to The Ancient Gods: Part One?

While you don’t carry over items, your understanding of the game’s mechanics will be essential. Starting with prior knowledge of DOOM Eternal will make adjusting to the DLC content easier.

Q15: Is The Ancient Gods: Part Two a direct sequel to Part One, and is it worth playing after finishing Part One?

Yes, The Ancient Gods: Part Two continues the story directly after Part One. It concludes the Slayer’s saga that began in DOOM (2016) and is definitely worth playing if you enjoyed Part One. It provides closure to the narrative arc and introduces new challenges and environments.